It is obvious that America is different from every other country in the world. To me it's home, my comfort zone— the only thing I know. While America isn't as exotic as the parts of the world, there are some things I've come to appreciate about the states that I don't have access to abroad. Here, the 10 things that I miss most about America:
1. Phone Capabilities EVERYWHERE
You never realize how phone dependent you are until you are only able to use it while on Wifi. You can't just send a text on the metro or SnapChat while having lunch in the park because a good Wifi signal is hard to come by. Except of course, McDonalds, which has exceptionally amazing and free Wifi in Europe.
(Photo via someecards.com)
2. Netflix and HuluWhy yes, I realize I should be exploring and trying new things and not watching the 2nd Season of Gossip Girl for the sixth time, BUT when you have downtime it is nice to have something familiar to watch. Although you may be lucky because Netflix is available in some countries (except Spain). #cool
(Photo via CW)
3. Chipotle and Chick Fil-A
To be honest when I am home I rarely crave Chick Fil-A or Chipotle, but the moment I stepped into a country without these food havens, I immediately craved it all. You always want what you can't have, right? At this point I would not even make a sassy comment when they tell me guac is extra.
(Photo via Chipotle)
4. Eating Meals at "Normal" Times
Now I am not sure about other countries, but Spain has some weird times of feasting. Breakfast is around 11am, lunch is around 2pm or 3pm, and dinner is around 10pm. That's right TEN PM AT NIGHT. I am part grandma so this happens to be my bedtime, but your girl has to eat so just for this next month I will eat at the most odd times.
5. Two Words: PEANUT BUTTER
Apparently no other country in the world is as obsessed with peanut butter as America, but boy are they wrong. I knew I should have packed the giant JIF from Costco, but I obviously had a lapse in judgment. The moment I get back to the U.S. you can bet I am going to get the biggest spoon I can find and eat an entire jar of peanut butter with zero regrets. #PB4LYFE
(Photo via Tumblr)
6. Dollars > Euros
There are only bills for 5 euro, 10 euro, 20 euro and so on. Less than a 5 euro are all COINS. There are 2 euro coins, 1 euro coins, 50 cent, 20 cent, and 10 cent COINS. The struggle of coins is real. Always double check the amount of the coin before giving it because you do not want to give more than you need to.
7. Air Conditioning
Why yes, air conditioning is not a regular thing in European homes. Why yes, it does get into the 90s or 100s in Spain during the summer. Why yes, I have learned sleeping without blankets solely in spandex and a sports bra does not mean you are guaranteed to be cool and comfortable. Let's just say I greatly appreciate America and the fact that air conditioning is a thing everywhere.
8. Being In the Same Time Zone As Your Friends and Family.
One of the hardest things (yes it is obviously going to be different) is the time zone. I am 6 hours ahead of the East Coast which is where my mom, my sister, and a good chunk of my friends are. It is hard to distinguish a time that works for both me and whoever I want to talk to and trying to call. Although a positive is that I feel accomplished when I have finished most of my day when they are just starting. LOL.
9. Speaking to ANYONE, ANYWHERE
Yes mom and dad, I know not to talk to strangers, but at least in America I will understand what they are saying back and be able to properly communicate. The hardest is when you want to ask for directions, but aren't sure who to ask or what to say. The best is when you try to speak the national language of the country you are in and the person you are talking to finally asks if you speak English, since your foreign language is so bad and they can't understand you.
10. 'Merica
I just miss America. Sometimes we give our country a hard time, but in the end I would not want to live anywhere else. Don't get me wrong it is fascinating to learn about other country's history or the day to day living of a citizen of a different country, but boy do I love mine.
This fourth of July celebrate a little harder for me since I can't celebrate our day of Independence in America.
